Skin hyperpigmentation commonly called dark marks and spots by people can reduce your self-esteem. A lot of us have been in a situation where we improve our body by losing weight and toning up and invest in hair care products to ensure our hair is healthy, strong and shiny. But when we have tried to tackle skin hyperpigmentation issues such as dark patches around the mouth and lips it has proven time and time again to be difficult which can be very frustrating. People with darker skin tones face this issue even more commonly – therefore it is high time that this problem is solved.

We are determined to help you look your best and feel the confidence you have been missing. If you have hyperpigmentation around the mouth and lips, this article is going to do wonders for you. 

Continue reading as we delve into details on different effective methods to help you get rid of these patches and look your best everywhere you go.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth and Lips?

To solve the issue, first, we have to learn about the problem. Multiple triggers can stimulate excess production of melanin around the mouth and lips, leading to hyperpigmentation. 

These include:

• Excessive sun exposure without appropriate and frequent SPF sun protection
• Inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and eczema 
• Trauma to the skin around the lips due to shaving, biting and licking
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can also trigger conditions such as melasma 
• Smoking tobacco

  People with darker skin tones are more prone to patches of hyperpigmentation due to melanocyte (the pigment producing cells) activity. Research shows that the number of melanocytes across different ethnicities is similar, however the activity of melanocytes differs. In darker skin tones the melanocytes tend to produce more melanin. 

Lifestyle Habits that Exacerbate Pigmentation around the Mouth and lips to avoid

It is the choices you make that define who you are. This applies to your skin as well. Having an active and healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent many types of medical issues. Making the best lifestyle choices will also give you healthy, radiant skin. Let’s look at some of the habits you need to avoid, and some you need to add to your life if you have hyperpigmentation around your mouth. 

Habits to avoid:

• Excessive licking or biting of the skin around the lips
• Skipping sunscreen or not reapplying after 2 hours
• Using non-certified whitening/bleaching products 
• Picking spots around the mouth 
• Smoking
• Using harsh products including products with alcohol on the face and around your mouth 

Healthy changes:

• Carefully applying and reapplying high spf sunscreen to the face with special attention to the skin around the mouth
• Avoid licking and biting skin around the mouth 
• Maintaining a balanced diet which may include supplementation with vitamins 
• Stop smoking
• Use gentle skin products without harsh chemicals and perfumes 

Daily Skincare Routine for Fading Pigmentation Safely

Many people think that having a skincare regime is not required and takes hours to perform. However, it can be quick and is all about following a few steps consistently for youthful, healthy and radiant skin. Try to incorporate this routine in the morning and at night, for the best results. 

1. Gentle exfoliating cleanser to remove dead skin for smoother and brighter skin
2. Hydrating toner. Toners help to restore the skin pH which can be disrupted by cleansing.
3. Good quality vitamin C serum in the morning. Vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production and increasing collagen production. 
4. A moisturising cream in the morning to help keep the skin hydrated
5. A retinol-based cream or serum at night to stimulate collagen and smooth skin texture, making the skin firmer with fewer lines and wrinkles. Retinol also fades dark marks 
6. Ample sunscreen (SPF 30-50), 30 minutes before going out in the sun 

Consistently following a skin care regime will not only give you beautiful skin but healthy and rejuvenated skin. 

The Best Ingredients for Treating Pigmentation around the Mouth and lips

For all those wondering how to fade hyperpigmentation around the mouth, skin care products with these ingredients are effective and safe to use. 

• Vitamin C – has the most research about its effectiveness at reducing excess pigment in the skin
• Niacinamide – prevents the transfer of melanin pigment to surrounding skin cells 
• Mandelic Acid – Inhibits the enzyme involved in melanin production, fading dark marks and preventing the formation and new ones. Ideal for individuals with darker skin tones and sensitive skin
• Azelaic Acid – Inhibits the enzyme involved in melanin production and is great for users with darker skin tones

Examples of other ingredients in skin care products which can reduce hyperpigmentation include tranexamic acid, licorice root and kojic acid.

Avoid using bleaching products and harsh products which will dry and irritate the skin such as alcohol-based products as these can exacerbate dark marks. 

When to See a Skin Specialist: The Benefits of Professional Help

Sometimes drug store skin products are not powerful enough to tackle hyperpigmentation. This can be due to either the pigmentation being too deep in the skin layers or too widespread. If you have tried drug store products and you are not getting the results you desire, do not continue to struggle, and waste hundreds or even thousands of pounds on ineffective products. It can be very disheartening and frustrating tackling stubborn pigmentation; however this is something qualified professionals are used to seeing and treating daily and they can help you. Seek the help of a professional who can assess your skin, diagnose the cause of your hyperpigmentation and provide you with an individualised professional treatment which is stronger and more effective than drug store products at treating stubborn pigmentation.

Clinical Treatments for Stubborn Pigmentation

Qualified professionals for treating skin hyperpigmentation include aesthetic doctors, aestheticians and dermatologists. At Stratum Clear Clinic, which is a doctor led clinic, treating skin hyperpigmentation is our bread and butter. We provide several solutions to treat  hyperpigmentation including: 

• Chemical peels – Acids of varying strength which are safe for the skin that fade dark marks and exfoliate the skin revealing the smoother fresher skin underneath
• Microneedling with chemical peels – All the benefits of chemical peels but with deeper peel penetration which makes the peel more effective 
• Cosmelan depigmentation peel – World leading skin hyperpigmentation peel clinically proven to remove up to 95% of hyperpigmentation in 30 days. It is highly effective for people with conditions such as melasma, age spots, freckles and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (eg dark marks and spots)

Our top priority is to help clients feel confident in their skin and look their very best. Whether your goal is to have the option to go out make up free or to improve how your skin looks with makeup on we are here to help you reach all your goals. 

How Long Does It Take to See Results with professional treatments? Realistic Expectations

Remember in most cases years of damage to the skin and a lack of a good skin regime has either resulted in or contributed to hyperpigmentation, therefore it is unrealistic to want results overnight.  Patience is the key to achieving the skin you desire. Pigmentation is something that takes time to go away; however, with consistency, excellent results can be achieved.  For mild cases, it might take 4-6 weeks to start seeing results. However, more severe cases may take 3 – 6 months. 

Hyperpigmentation in Asian and Black Skin: Why a Tailored Approach Is Essential 

Hyperpigmentation can occur in any skin tone, however it can be more severe in individuals with darker skin tones due to higher amounts of melanin produced, especially in response to trauma and inflammation. As some treatments can make hyperpigmentation worse careful assessment and treatment of the skin under the guidance of a trained professional is crucial in individuals with darker skin tones. 

Don’t Let Pigmentation Around Your Mouth Knock Your Confidence 

To conclude, although hyperpigmentation around the mouth and lips is common, frustrating, and sometimes difficult to remove there are effective drug store and professional treatment options available which can greatly improve your skin and confidence, making you look and feel the best version of yourself. Start with a good skincare regime and if you are still having difficulty seek professional help.  

Book your skin consultation at Stratum Clear Clinic and get a tailored treatment for your skin tone. Call us at 020 8050 0228 or 07405 766 191 or visit our website at https://stratumclearclinic.co.uk/.